What's wrong with our forum moderator staff?

[Arctucas]

I have refrained from posting in this thread for several years.

Mind you, I am not making a complaint, merely an observation.

It appears to me some users do not wish to give others consideration when those others post opinions they disagree with.

Personally, I can appreciate anyone posting their viewpoint. And whether I agree, disagree, or are indifferent, I believe everyone should be permitted to express themselves without reprisal in the form of derisive commentary.

[n-ster]

Originally Posted by Wile E

I think it belongs in the news thread, as long as it's constructive. That's where the criticism is most relevant to the topic.

But that derails the thread and is basically thread-crap.

Originally Posted by 1Kurgan1

I don't see why that should be necessary for numerous "news posts". Personally I feel they should report the info, make the post, then make a 2nd post with their own feelings on the subject. Theres quite a few news posts that involve peoples opinions, and if people start tossing these people pm's every time they don't like how they wrote the article, even 5 pm's per article it's going to add up and be a pain. And it's not like these people are going to re-write each article, so better to solve the problem before it has started.

qubit has been our news writer for a bit now, and the thread-crap isn't new. Did it solve the problem that you guys have? no

Complain about qubit not doing it HERE, not in the news thread. Then, if qubit judges there is no problem in his articles, bta and W1zzard can decide if it should be a requirement for qubit to do the news a certain way. But attacking him on his news thread is only going to start an argument.

Do the constructive criticism, but to it here, kinda like your post right here.

IMO, there has been maybe 1 news thread that was too opinionated and another one a little bit in between. It personally didn't bother me as I read it as a news story followed by a comment and I automatically see the facts from the opinion. I read the comments right after so there really isn't any change. For the Thailand Flood thread though, I find the news thread good, yet it got thread crapped and derailed quickly. All the other news threads I've had no problems with

[Wile E]

Originally Posted by n-ster

But that derails the thread and is basically thread-crap.



qubit has been our news writer for a bit now, and the thread-crap isn't new. Did it solve the problem that you guys have? no

Complain about qubit not doing it HERE, not in the news thread. Then, if qubit judges there is no problem in his articles, bta and W1zzard can decide if it should be a requirement for qubit to do the news a certain way. But attacking him on his news thread is only going to start an argument.

Do the constructive criticism, but to it here, kinda like your post right here.

IMO, there has been maybe 1 news thread that was too opinionated and another one a little bit in between. It personally didn't bother me as I read it as a news story followed by a comment and I automatically see the facts from the opinion. I read the comments right after so there really isn't any change. For the Thailand Flood thread though, I find the news thread good, yet it got thread crapped and derailed quickly. All the other news threads I've had no problems with

It's not a thread crap if it pertains to the material. Yeah, some are crapping, but most are disagreeing, and then telling why they disagree. That's not crapping, that's discussion.

[qubit]

Originally Posted by n-ster

qubit has been our news writer for a bit now, and the thread-crap isn't new. Did it solve the problem that you guys have? no

Complain about qubit not doing it HERE, not in the news thread. Then, if qubit judges there is no problem in his articles, bta and W1zzard can decide if it should be a requirement for qubit to do the news a certain way. But attacking him on his news thread is only going to start an argument.

Do the constructive criticism, but to it here, kinda like your post right here.

Yes indeed and believe me W1zz and bta are not shy about telling me when I've screwed up! lol But they've never pulled me up on my writing style and if they're ok with it, then I must be doing something right, surely?

To everyone: as I've explained before, this is my natural style and I use it to try to make each of my articles interesting, a little different and more compelling compared to the norm one reads for tech news, which frankly, can get a bit bland and boring. This means weaving my commentary into each of my news articles, especially the controversial subjects such as the new UEFI secure boot and similar.

Think of the wider picture here while reading my news articles: there's thousands of people out there in internet land who we never hear from, but read our site and lots of others on technology. If ours has that slightly different take on it, then it helps keep these eyeballs on it, which in turn helps our advertisers and helps TPU to grow. So, before you next jump in with a criticism of how I wrote that article and derail my next news thread, try to think of this first. I've managed to push out eight news stories this weekend (nine if you count Friday). That's eight more than the none we used to get and again, they benefit us by getting those eyeballs on TPU and also giving you guys (and me) some great topics to talk about.

Now, if I make a technical error, such as writing a wrong specification or get some other basic fact wrong, then I very much appreciate a PM about it so I can fix it post haste.

[n-ster]

Originally Posted by Wile E

It's not a thread crap if it pertains to the material. Yeah, some are crapping, but most are disagreeing, and then telling why they disagree. That's not crapping, that's discussion.

http://www.urbandictionary.com/defin...ead%20crapping

1. thread crapping 39 up, 7 down
v. Thread crapping occurs when a person comes into a thread and posts something contrary to the spirit/intent of the thread, often derailing the discussion or turning it into an argument.
Coming into a thread titled "I love my new Apple Macintosh!", and posting "PCs are better and cheaper" is thread crapping.

You seem to misunderstand what I mean my thread crapping. Look at the first definition here. The intent of the thread was not to argue about qubit's writing style of the article. The thread crapping resulted in a derailed thread. In no way do I mean the post is wrong, I just find them misplaced

[erocker]

qubit, I like the topics of the articles you post though I don't care for the opinion you interject into the topic in the initial news post. It changes the topic from the actual topic to yourself and that's something most people don't want in a news post or thread. I say leave the opinion for the comments.

[Mussels]

i think opinions at the bottom of the news posts are fine, so long as its clear that it is opinion. mixing them through isnt how other newsposters do it here, so it can cause confusion.

[LAN_deRf_HA]

btarunr has a good example of that http://www.techpowerup.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=154062

[qubit]

Originally Posted by LAN_deRf_HA

btarunr has a good example of that http://www.techpowerup.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=154062

Good link.

[Tatty_One]

Originally Posted by n-ster

http://www.urbandictionary.com/defin...ead%20crapping



You seem to misunderstand what I mean my thread crapping. Look at the first definition here. The intent of the thread was not to argue about qubit's writing style of the article. The thread crapping resulted in a derailed thread. In no way do I mean the post is wrong, I just find them misplaced

In my view...... for what it's worth, news is news, it is simply communicating information of interest and relevancy to an audience, it takes some skill and research, BTA is a natural at it, and to be fair to Qubit, he, IMO for a "newbie" is doing really well. The issue I have with what you have said is simple, whilst I understand and agree to a certain extent in what your saying, when a significant amount of personal opinion is included in a news article then by it's very nature it invites opinion simply because people's opinions vary and that thread IMO is the right place for people to state their (hopefully mature) opinions, to me thats not thread crapping, it's on topic, relevant and in the spirit of the thread.

As soon as a news reporter starts using words like crap, rubbish, unfair and other "personal" opinion it can become too personalised and therefore divisive.

[erixx]

First, I welcome qubit, with or without his remarks, he selects well news items from tons of news.
Secondly, and personally I love the little remarks as found on BluesNews, when he is ironical with the titles like:
"Steve Jobs - One Last Thing" - PBS (includes the whole thing) etc
I just realize these days he doesn't do it much...

Anyway, reporter comments should be distant and intriguing, not sentencing anything.

[HalfAHertz]

I think the forums could use pictures of scantily clad ladies as a background, other than that everything else is top notch

[n-ster]

I couldn't access TPU for a few minutes until now, don't know when it started

[EarthDog]

Originally Posted by erocker

qubit, I like the topics of the articles you post though I don't care for the opinion you interject into the topic in the initial news post. It changes the topic from the actual topic to yourself and that's something most people don't want in a news post or thread. I say leave the opinion for the comments.

QFMFT!!! Im glad you said as they way I was thinking about it wasnt so well written.

This isnt a place for editorials in news. In fact, I dont even like it when BT injects his opinion (does he even?). If I/we wanted it, we would ask for it. Dont try to be CNN (left) or FoxNews (right). Just report the facts. If you want your opinion to be heard (which is quite obvious it is) then post up your thoughts in a post not in the news bit . It honestly shows up as being 'green'. One of the things this site has going for it is the frequency and quality of the news posts... Since the addition, frequency has gone up, quality has gone the other way due to the way some are editorialized by the author. Keep that out of the article guys.

[95Viper]

I guess I am in the minority on this topic; because, I like the mix. BTA and Qubit have their own style of presenting what they find or reprint. Anyone can repeat facts in news post... you find them at dozens of sites. The news posts here draw better comments IMO (aside from the b*tchin', trolling and flaming). Change can be good sometimes. Give it a chance and see where it goes.

You are still getting the facts and they, usually, give the source (click on and read it).

If you are going to complain...fine, however, I would not attack the person for their style of writing. And, some of the posts were attacks or came darn close to being personal IMO.
The person was asked to do it or was accepted for the task as they are.
Make your comments and ask the people who hired them, if, they would change it or get some others with the writing style you prefer. Volunteer yourself, if you think you can do better, maybe I can read your writings and thoughts. There are a few other who post here, that, I believe are up to the job and I enjoy reading their posts. Some are crass, some witty, some technical, and some are, well, I'll leave it at that.

Yes, maybe it would be better, if they added their own sentiments/ideas/opinions in a separation from the facts with the heading of "Editorial". Give these ideas to the Staff and W1z, maybe they will implement a change and I am sure they will point it in the direction they want and what is best for the forum.

But, IMO it does nothing to complain to the writers about there style in the news posts itself.

And, as far as posting your complaints, please, don't use we in your post, because you do not represent me.

Oh, this is all my opinion... Have a nice day.

[EarthDog]

My apologies for including others with the "we" statement. It appeared (many) others shared the sentiment. We didnt have to unclude YOU specifically though.

Outside of that, I do agree with what you said here. Though I would, if I was an admin here, look at this thread and make changes based off of user complaints/issues where it is possible for the betterment of the community. And maybe that is happening. Who knows though.

I only know that I do not like editorialized articles or to be frank, the author's opinion IN the news article. This really didnt happen nearly as much prior to the new addition to the team. I like the articles, I just dont care about the author's opinions is all. Just write the news and leave your bantor out of the first post is my take.

[Wile E]

Originally Posted by n-ster

http://www.urbandictionary.com/defin...ead%20crapping



You seem to misunderstand what I mean my thread crapping. Look at the first definition here. The intent of the thread was not to argue about qubit's writing style of the article. The thread crapping resulted in a derailed thread. In no way do I mean the post is wrong, I just find them misplaced

I'm with Tatty on this, the amount of opinion in the initial news post means that peoples' opinions on that post is in fact on topic, and not a derailment, and therefore not crapping.

The only posts that are crapping are the jackasses that basically say "qubit sucks" without offering any opinion on the subject matter, any justifications for their opinion, or even just why they think he sucks.

Disagreeing with him is not crapping. Only insulting him is.

Personally, I like the stuff he's diggin up, but I, like many others, don't like reading his opinions in the news post. The important part is bolded: In the news post. We welcome his opinion, we just feel it should be expressed elsewhere.

[Ahhzz]

Eh, personally, I'm content with the news posts being a bit more of the editorial, than straight facts. If it was just facts, he might as well just post links to the news site = Bored Now. He doesn't go completely hog wild in any of the posts I've read, just adding flavor. I personally think that it's mainly some of the people don't agree with his opinion, and get flamed up about it. My 2cents, unasked. *cheers*

[EarthDog]

MODS - One other thing about news... if a user beats you to it and you post it up as an article, dont close the user's thread. MERGE it in to the article. There is likely already valid discussions going on that now, because closed, may not continue. Merge the threads, the effort is minimal, I know. Lopping off a thread just becuase there is a news article that was posted 5 hours later on the same subject isnt the best way to do it IMO.

Oh and your thanks system here is borderline useless how the thanks are just dropped for no apparent reason. Its become like post count (doesnt matter) in reference to knowledge. You may want to limit the amount of thanks one can give to make it remotely useful again.

[qubit]

Originally Posted by Wile E

I'm with Tatty on this, the amount of opinion in the initial news post means that peoples' opinions on that post is in fact on topic, and not a derailment, and therefore not crapping.

The only posts that are crapping are the jackasses that basically say "qubit sucks" without offering any opinion on the subject matter, any justifications for their opinion, or even just why they think he sucks.

Disagreeing with him is not crapping. Only insulting him is.

Personally, I like the stuff he's diggin up, but I, like many others, don't like reading his opinions in the news post. The important part is bolded: In the news post. We welcome his opinion, we just feel it should be expressed elsewhere.

I don't agree with everything in your post, but I really appreciate the way you've differentiated constructive criticism from those that just chuck insults at me. Thankyou.

Perhaps you could look at my news posts with more of an eye like Ahhzz has said below and they might sit a little better with you?

Originally Posted by Ahhzz

Eh, personally, I'm content with the news posts being a bit more of the editorial, than straight facts. If it was just facts, he might as well just post links to the news site = Bored Now. He doesn't go completely hog wild in any of the posts I've read, just adding flavor. I personally think that it's mainly some of the people don't agree with his opinion, and get flamed up about it. My 2cents, unasked. *cheers*

Yes, you've hit the nail on the head: they're not boring and they've been "flavoured", added "colour" call it what you will, which makes them much more interesting, as I've tried explaining in previous posts. If I feel strongly about something that I think is unjust, that's when I will make the posts more cutting, but you're right, I do restrain from going over the top on here. www.techeye.net is a good example of a news site that really lets the subject of their articles have it. In fact, they put things much more strongly than I generally would here. I might be like that if I was the admin on my own site though, as I wouldn't have anyone to answer to.

[sneekypeet]

Originally Posted by EarthDog

Oh and your thanks system here is borderline useless how the thanks are just dropped for no apparent reason. Its become like post count (doesnt matter) in reference to knowledge. You may want to limit the amount of thanks one can give to make it remotely useful again.

Since its implimentation, we all knew it was an epeen feature. Also who are we to say they dont actually feel gratitude to the member they thanked. We have had issues with people spamming the system before, and handled it accordingly. Simply the members asked for the feature and w1zzard delivered it. Its abuse was expected just as every other system he tries to enact; "key words" anyone???

[qubit]

Originally Posted by sneekypeet

Since its implimentation, we all knew it was an epeen feature. Also who are we to say they dont actually feel gratitude to the member they thanked. We have had issues with people spamming the system before, and handled it accordingly. Simply the members asked for the feature and w1zzard delivered it. Its abuse was expected just as every other system he tries to enact; "key words" anyone???

I have to confess that on a couple of occasions now, people have made so many nice/useful comments to me, that I thanked them all and promptly activated the flood limit.

I then couldn't thank for another 24 hours.

[sneekypeet]

Originally Posted by qubit

I have to confess that on a couple of occasions now, people have made so many nice/useful comments to me, that I thanked them all and promptly activated the flood limit.

I then couldn't thank for another 24 hours.

I have yet to have my button removed, and I do quite a bit of thanking for those who bump my threads, as I am honestly thankful for them showing my thread while I am away. Does that make me a thanks whore because I know I have given thousands of them over the years?

[EarthDog]

That flood limit needs to drop dramatically to give the thanks system any value. its like the bitcoin dollar...

At the site Im from, 3 /24 hours keeps em honest...ish. LOL!

[Wile E]

Originally Posted by qubit

I don't agree with everything in your post, but I really appreciate the way you've differentiated constructive criticism from those that just chuck insults at me. Thankyou.

Perhaps you could look at my news posts with more of an eye like Ahhzz has said below and they might sit a little better with you?



Yes, you've hit the nail on the head: they're not boring and they've been "flavoured", added "colour" call it what you will, which makes them much more interesting, as I've tried explaining in previous posts. If I feel strongly about something that I think is unjust, that's when I will make the posts more cutting, but you're right, I do restrain from going over the top on here. www.techeye.net is a good example of a news site that really lets the subject of their articles have it. In fact, they put things much more strongly than I generally would here. I might be like that if I was the admin on my own site though, as I wouldn't have anyone to answer to.

No, I tried to like the style, but I just don't. I read news for facts. It doesn't add flavor for me, it adds something that I must filter out from the facts before I am able to form my own opinion.